This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Indian Defense: Anti-Nimzo-Indian
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3
This opening move order is characterized by White's choice to develop the knight to f3 instead of allowing Black to play ...Bb4, which would lead to the Nimzo-Indian Defense. By playing 3. Nf3, White avoids the doubled c-pawns that can arise from the Nimzo-Indian, aiming for a solid and flexible setup.
From White's perspective, this is a more positional and somewhat cautious approach, focusing on solid development rather than immediate central confrontation. Black’s setup remains flexible and can transpose into various Indian Defense systems.
Regarding the center, White keeps control with pawns on d4 and c4 but does not immediately challenge Black’s setup aggressively. Black's move ...e6 supports a solid, somewhat defensive stance, preparing to contest the center later, often with ...d5 or ...c5.
Overall, this opening is positional and flexible, with both sides preparing to fight for central control in the middlegame rather than immediate direct attacks.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Indian Defense: Anti-Nimzo-Indian, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 96 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used Indian Defense: Anti-Nimzo-Indian to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.